EthnoLab — Communication Theory

To start designing anything that is to be sold to public, whether it is something physical or imaginary like ideology, one has to be aware of the theoretical base. Communication theory works for multiple areas of life, and design is not an exception.

The definition of communication theory says: communication is a systemic process in which individuals interact with each other through symbols to create and interpret meanings. This is exactly what defines the way it is used in design. Artwork becomes more than just a decoration: it turns into a tool to deliver a specific message via working with symbols and concepts that are to be decoded by the audience according to their context.

For example Craig’s seven traditions help to build the narratives and messages exactly the way to make the audience decode them as the author wishes. Knowing how each part of this theory works helps to compose such design that would hit the spot of the potential viewer.

There are multiple approaches to the theoretical base that are helpful when working on narratives and design. Interpretive theories encourage multiple realities—users' unique combinations reflect personal values. Objective theories predict outcomes, like testable hypotheses on engagement from cultural mixing. In combination these approaches help to construct the design and message that will reach the public the right way.

You may have come across ethnic ornaments and motives both in fashion and your daily life — you probably remember that one white towel with a hand-sewn ornament your grandma had in her countryside house, don’t you?

Our country is almost the size of a continent, and more than 190 ethnicities with their own culture and art have been living next to each other for centuries now. It may seem so mysterious — distant cultures, distant meanings.

But what if we tell you that mystery is just at your reach? Imagine having your own unique jewelry, making a mix of the vibrant patterns of Russian diverse cultures. How about blending Komi ornaments with Tatarstan floral motives?

EthnoLab is exactly made to make this come true. We offer a modular jewelry constructor on our website — you assemble unique pieces from ethnic-inspired modules. Build your personal ethno-formula with its own meaning!

Each module draws from real ethnic groups: Komi with its geometrical ornaments, Yakut (Sakha) with neat floral curves, Tatarstan with elegant tangles and colors. Chukotka for simplified yet enchanting shapes, born in arctic snows. Arkhangelsk with animalistic shapes.

Behind every curve and turn stands its meaning, given by the ancestors many centuries ago. Some attract love, joy or luck, some are guardians against evil spirits.

Each type of ornament you can choose in our constructor is supplied with a small cultural article: it doesn’t plainly say what this ornament means, but gives a deeper dive into the cultural context.

When you wish for individuality and roots, EthnoLab lets you craft one-of-a-kind pieces that represent a multinational spirit.

It’s modular, so you can buy multiple pieces and recombine them according to your will. Its meaning is only defined by you. And the heritage it brings represents how various and wonderful our people are.

We’ve collaborated with anthropologists, with local craftsmen who inherited the art of making ornaments and jewelry from their previous generations. All for you to have a unique and life-accurate experience with our jewelry.

Ready to experiment? Visit our websites or pop-ups in major cities. Share your creations on social media for inspiration. EthnoLab isn't just a trinket – it's a personal cultural symphony. Wear your own culture! Wear your story!